"The only way to fix this situation is for both parties in Congress to come together, do their job and get parks and communities the support they need, and fast.” - Theresa Pierno, NPCA's President & CEO
Washington, DC – With a funding deadline quickly approaching, Congress has only a few hours to pass legislation to avoid a federal government shutdown and provide vital disaster relief for national parks and communities across the country. If a federal spending deal is not reached by midnight on December 20, a government shutdown could close national park sites across the country starting Monday, impacting local economies and people planning to visit these treasured places over the holiday season.
Just two days ago, Congress introduced a bipartisan bill to extend funding for federal agencies and bring vital disaster aid to communities and national parks across the country devastated by multiple hurricanes, floods and other disasters. The bill would have provided $2.3 billion to address damage to numerous parks, including Acadia, Blue Ridge Parkway and Yosemite, from disasters over the last year and a half. These parks and surrounding communities have already waited months for relief. And it’s once again unclear if or when these parks, and the communities that rely on them for their economic well-being, will be able to fully recover and rebuild.
Congress must quickly pass disaster relief and a continuing resolution so that our parks can remain open and adequately staffed to keep visitors safe and irreplaceable treasures protected.
Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA):
“National parks and communities across the country are reeling from back-to-back hurricanes, floods and other devastating disasters. They’ve already waited months for relief, and now it’s unclear if or when they will get the help they so desperately need and deserve.
“The threat of a government shutdown only makes matters worse. And it’s our national parks, park staff, visitors and communities who will continue to pay the price.
“If Congress is unable to do its job and fund our government, the National Park Service must do what’s necessary to protect our most treasured places, which could mean closing their gates. If that happens, parks could lose over half a million dollars in fee revenue every single day they are closed, thousands of park staff would be furloughed, and local economies that rely on park visitors could take a hit, only days before the holiday season.
“National parks have been struggling for too long, operating with fewer staff and smaller budgets. Hurricanes, floods and other disasters have only intensified this situation, shuttering park facilities and services and devastating communities across the country. The only way to fix this situation is for both parties in Congress to come together, do their job and get parks and communities the support they need, and fast.”
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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
